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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Mashiko Potters Fund

As the days continue since the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, many projects have grown to help the people affected. The images we have seen are devastating and touch us, urging us to help those who are experiencing what we cannot imagine. Many have helpedRed Cross, auctions likeHandmade for Japanhave been organized, people have joined forcesto help animals, even my favorite band, Phish, isreleasing a showthey played in Japan with all proceeds going towards relief. People are finding ways that are close to them to help, and I have found a cause close to me. 50% of all sales made in my online Etsy shop now through the end of April will be donated to the Mashiko Potters Fund. My goal is to be able to donate $500 on May 1.I came across the Mashiko Potters Fund, or MPF, through email fromPucker Galleryin Boston.

After reading the email I knew immediately I wanted to help the MPF, organized by potterKen Matsuzakiand the Mayor of Mashiko. Before I had heard of the MPF I had seen images of magnificent kilns crumbled and amazing pots destroyed. As a potter who has been so influenced by Japanese potters, these pictures struck a chord with me. Mashiko in particular has been the home to two of my favorite potters,Shoji HamadaandTatsuzo Shimaoka. The village is filled with so many potters and so much history. To think of it coming to and end, the potters losing their livelihoods, and the kilns not being rebuilt is terrible and sad. I want to help this village continue on with what they do so wonderfully. Local pottery studioMudflatis the fiscal sponsor for the MPF. Proceeds will be transfered to them directly. I will be posting regular updates on the progress to the goal of $500 onfacebookandtwitter.How you can help:-purchase a piece from my Etsy shop-donate toMPFyourself-share on facebook-share on twitter-share on your blog-email your friends-spread the word any way you can